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Willow bark has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine throughout China and Europe. Its active ingredient, salicin, would later serve as the foundation for aspirin. Taken internally, willow bark extract has similar properties to aspirin, helping reduce pain and fever. Willow bark extract also has topical benefits, which is why it now appears in skincare. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin and help clear pores — potentially useful for men who are balding or already bald, where the skin of the scalp is fully exposed. What’s in willow bark extract? Salicin The core active compound. Its anti-inflammatory effects help relieve acne and irritation, and studies suggest salicin may have anti-aging properties, decreasing the appearance of roughness, pores and wrinkles. Tannins Organic substances that tighten and tone the skin. They act as an astringent, constricting skin tissue, and tannins isolated from other plants have shown anti-acne activity. Polyphenols Micronutrients with high antioxidant activity, able to fight the free radicals partly responsible for skin aging. Flavonoids, a subclass, may help protect against UV damage. How does willow bark benefit the skin? It helps clear pores Willow bark extract acts as a mild exfoliant, lifting dead skin cells from the surface layer and helping unclog pores. Left alone, dirt and oil build up and lead to irritation and inflammation — a particular problem on a bald scalp, where there is no hair to lift oil away. It fights acne Salicin acts as a gentle agent to relieve inflammation and redness. Studies show willow bark can help prevent acne without the side effects of some other topical therapies. It softens signs of aging Topical salicin has been shown to improve skin texture and radiance. Willow bark and the scalp Scalp skin is prone to dryness, irritation and increased oil production all at once, and it is exposed to the sun far more than most skin on your body. Ingredients that calm inflammation and keep pores clear without stripping the skin are a sensible fit. What Folicule uses Our current scalp line does not use willow bark extract. It solves the same two problems — oil and irritation — a different way. Matte Moisturizer hydrates with five humectants at different molecular sizes — glycerin, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan and erythritol — which pull water into the skin instead of sealing oil on top of it, and calms post-shave irritation with aloe barbadensis leaf extract. For the oil itself, Shine Slayer uses rice starch to absorb sebum and flatten breakthrough shine, with jojoba seed oil to help stop the scalp overproducing in the first place. Rice starch absorbs oil rather than astringing the skin, which avoids the strip-and-rebound cycle that leaves a scalp tight in the morning and shinier by mid-afternoon. Browse the current Folicule scalp range.

What causes shine on a bald head? Your body naturally produces sebum, or oil, on your skin and scalp through the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands often develop alongside hair follicles. However, in those with hair loss, just because hair follicles have died off doesn’t mean sebaceous glands are gone too. How much oil these glands produce may depend on an individual’s physiology. The purpose of sebum is to help seal in moisture in the skin. However, it is also responsible for shine on a bald head. Unfortunately, there’s no concrete way to get rid of the natural production of oil. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing 90% of the skin’s surface lipids. The lipids that make up sebum include triglycerides and fatty acids, squalene, wax esters, and cholesterol. Excess sebum is associated with dandruff and acne in many people. In people who are bald, there is no hair to absorb sebum, which leads to excess oil on the scalp. How to get rid of the shine off a bald head Wash your scalp Some guys who are bald make the mistake of feeling like they don’t need to wash their scalp. They might feel like, since there’s no more hair, it’s unnecessary. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. A bald scalp needs a good wash too. Shampoo or cleansers can help decrease excess oil on the scalp although it’s important not to use overly drying products. The wrong product could cause the scalp to trigger even more sebum production. Wipe off excess sweat If you’re hitting the gym or working out regularly, you may have noticed your bald head is extra shiny after a session. Sweat, on top of excess oil, can play a huge role in how the head shines. Bring a towel or keep a handkerchief on hand to help wipe off excess sweat in the gym or any other time of the day. If you just got scalp micropigmentation, make sure to follow proper aftercare instructions when it comes to exercising. Opt for the right product Some moisturizers are too greasy for the scalp. What works on a bald head is a mattifying product that absorbs oil rather than adding to it. Shine Slayer is a mattifying scalp balm built for exactly this job. It uses rice starch to aggressively absorb sebum and flatten breakthrough shine without suffocating the skin, and it finishes matte with no white cast, no tacky film and nothing to scrub off later. For daily hydration that will not undo the work, Matte Moisturizer hydrates oily skin without adding grease and finishes matte instead of glossy. Use the moisturizer first, let it settle, then Shine Slayer on top for all-day oil control.

A bald or buzzed head is a very low-maintenance, everyday style. But that doesn’t mean a bald scalp or buzzcut doesn’t need some TLC. Grooming a bald or shaved scalp includes washing regularly and moisturizing it. There are several factors that come into play when choosing the right moisturizer for a bald scalp. Read on to learn more about how to choose a good moisturizer for you. Why should you moisturize a bald scalp? Keeping the scalp clean is just one part of taking care of your bald head. But moisturizing the scalp may be even more essential for keeping your scalp healthy. Moisturizing a bald scalp helps combat dryness and aging of the skin. This way, your scalp will look and feel healthier. Most dermatologists agree that the main concern with a bald scalp is dryness and dandruff. Dryness can often result from sunburn on the scalp. That’s why protecting the scalp from the sun’s UV rays is important. As the skin heals after a sunburn, it can peel and become irritated. Dandruff, or the shedding of the skin that leads to flakes on the scalp, can be caused by a number of conditions. These conditions may include eczema or fungal infections. Other factors like hormones and environmental changes could also play a role. Even if you don’t have dryness or dandruff at the moment, most experts would agree that moisturizing the scalp is still vital for keeping it healthy. What to consider when choosing a moisturizer for a bald scalp Moisturizers vary greatly in what ingredients they contain and the quality of those ingredients. Some come as a gel, oil, lotion or cream. If you’ve tried different moisturizers already, you may have found that certain ingredients irritate your scalp. Watch the actives. Acids like glycolic and salicylic can dry the scalp and lead to irritation. Some products contain lactic acid or urea, which can worsen dry skin in those with a sensitive scalp. Avoid ingredients you react to. If you have had a rash or reaction from an ingredient before, check the label. Patch test anything new. Check how often it needs applying. Some heavy creams are once a day; lighter products may need reapplying. Decide matte or glossy. Most men with a bald head want matte. If that is you, the finish matters as much as the hydration. The problem most bald men actually have It is not dryness on its own — it is both at once. A shaved scalp is irritated and dehydrated from the razor, while also producing more visible surface oil than it ever did with hair, because the sebaceous glands keep working after the follicles miniaturise. That is why so many men give up on moisturizer entirely: every one they tried made their head shinier. But dehydrated skin overproduces oil too, so quitting makes it worse from the other direction. The right moisturizer for a bald scalp What you want is hydration that does not arrive as grease. Matte Moisturizer is built on a stack of five humectants — glycerin, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan and erythritol — at different molecular sizes, working at different depths. Every one of them pulls water into the skin rather than sealing oil on top of it. Aloe barbadensis leaf extract calms the irritation that comes with shaving your head, and vitamin E works as an antioxidant. It absorbs fast, finishes velvety matte instead of dewy, and contains no silicones. If shine is your main complaint, layer Shine Slayer over it. The balm uses rice starch to absorb sebum and flatten breakthrough shine. Moisturizer first, let it settle, balm on top — or take both in the Shine Control Duo. Heading outdoors, add Scalp Sunscreen: SPF 40, mineral-based, with a built-in mattifier. A note on fragrance: Matte Moisturizer is scented with orange peel, geranium and citronella. These are recognised fragrance allergens, so patch test if you are sensitive. Questions about moisturizing a bald or buzzed scalp, or after scalp micropigmentation? Email hello@folicule.com.

Hey There, Welcome to Folicule! For those of you who don’t know us, we’re the guys who started Scalp Micro USA, a hair loss company specializing in a treatment called scalp micropigmentation. We have hair loss clinics in New York City, Houston and Los Angeles, and we have had the privilege of working with thousands of clients who rock the short buzzcut or bald head style. A lot of people ask why we came up with Folicule — what inspired us to create our own scalp care line. The honest truth: we kept coming up empty when customers asked us what products they should be using after their treatment. No matter how many products and brands we tried, nothing seemed to work for our short-haired clients. There were just no routine products made specifically for guys with bald or buzzed heads. So we rolled up our sleeves and made them ourselves. We only wanted to launch products that were genuinely good, and an easy experience for our scalpers. The line has grown a lot since then. Today it starts with Shine Slayer, a mattifying scalp balm that kills shine without a sticky cast, and Matte Moisturizer, a lightweight daily lotion that hydrates oily skin without adding grease. Add Scalp Sunscreen at SPF 40, and that is the everyday routine most guys need. We also have a full professional line for our fellow PMU artists — pigments, needles and aftercare. See the Pro Store. I hope you enjoy what we’ve created. Sincerely, Matt & Keith

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is when you get a cosmetic tattoo that makes it look like you just got a fresh buzz cut. It’s also known as a head tattoo, scalp tattoo or often referred to as “tattoo hair.” But is scalp micropigmentation a traditional tattoo? The answer is NO. Scalp micropigmentation is very different than a traditional tattoo. Scalp pigmentation is actually unlike a tattoo in almost every way. Everything from the needle, type of ink, and the depth of pigment deposit are different. Let’s explore… Scalp Micropigmentation vs. Tattoo Needle Size To begin with, a regular tattoo needle is simply too big and imprecise to approximate the appearance and texture of tiny hair follicles. The needle used for SMP is called a “3-point-micro-needle." It's 75% smaller than the smallest needle a traditional tattoo artist can get!  The result of using such a small needle is that you can't even tell the difference between an actual hair follicle and ink deposited by an SMP needle! Scalp Micropigmentation Ink During your consultation, your SMP practitioner will work with you to create a pigment hue that compliments your skin color and match your existing hair color. We use the Fitzpatrick scale to accomplish this match, which is commonly used in the permanent makeup and cosmetic industry. Folicule Scalp Micropigmentation Ink has been tried and tested by practitioners to ensure consistency for every impression. Traditional tattoo ink meanwhile, is often non-organic and can be both harmful and irritating to your skin. Our Folicule SMP pigment is also not made from composite sources, so over time the colors won't change. Depth of Skin for SMP Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-invasive treatment because we are only going 2 layers into the dermis. Unlike traditional tattoo ink, which is deposited five layers into the skin. Why? Because at this depth the pigment keeps it’s shape and form without any spreading. SMP practitioners get greater control over the final shape of the ink deposit while still going deep enough into the skin to stay permanent. Scalp Micropigmentation vs. Tattoo Technique One of the biggest differences between scalp micropigmentation and traditional tattoos is the technique. Traditional tattooing uses a scraping method to get the design desired. Scalp micropigmentation uses a dotting and pointillism method where the practitioner places tiny dots into the skin to create the appearance of hair follicles. This difference in technique is also why scalp micropigmentation is significantly less painful than a traditional tattoo. The pain for tattoos is fairly consistent for most, while scalp micropigmentation most describe it as a 2-3/10. Some clients even fall asleep and find the treatment to be very manageable. At Scalp Micro USA, we have never had a client not finish their treatment. SMP vs Tattoo Training & Certifications  In order to operate a scalp micropigmentation business in most states, they require a tattoo license and blood borne pathogen certificate. While both tattoo artists and scalp micropigmentation artists require similar certifications to open a clinic, having a scalp micropigmentation certification from a reputable source is a must for anyone seriously considering an SMP company or artist.   Scalp Micropigmentation Ink If you are a practicing scalp micropigmentation artist and are looking for consistent results then look no further! Check out our scalp micropigmentation ink trusted by industry experts.

Breaking down the Folicule dilution chart for scalp micropigmentation practitioners looking to deliver the SMP treatment.

Every client is different and as such requires customized scalp pigment color matching to make sure there is a seamless blend between hair and SMP treatment.  But how do you match Folicule SMP pigment to your client's hair color? In order to understand how we are able to get the perfect color match for clients, let's start with what type of pigment we use. For scalp micropigmentation, we use a black carbon-based pigment that is diluted in order to get the exact color and tone to match your hair. The pigment we use is called Folicule. This is an example of a black, organic, carbon-based pigment. So how do we dilute Folicule pigment? We use distilled water and add that water to the black pigment in order to create the tone and shade that we want. For example, if you are lighter skin toned or lighter hair, we are going to add more water to that pigment in order to get a lighter tone. If you are darker skin, darker hair we are going to add less water and use more pure pigment. For full SMP dilution details click HERE But what happens if you have grey hair or light blonde hair? Or what happens when I turn 50 and all my hair turns grey? How are we able to match light or grey hair with the scalp micropigmentation treatment? When hair is cut short, it is all a tone and shade of grey. It’s just about how soft or strong that tone is – and it’s our job as scalp micropigmentation practitioners to get the appropriate strength of pigment by diluting to the correct color. In order to match your hair color, your SMP practitioner will prepare your pigment for each session that you come in. And they will do this by measuring out the exact amount of water, which will be added into the pure pigment. Here is an example of how our pigment dilution process can work for lighter skin, and lighter haired gentleman: Here is an example of a client that has darker skin and darker hair: And finally, here is a client that has salt, pepper, and a little grey in their hair: This dilution and color matching process is a big part of how we are able to create such natural and seamless scalp pigmentation treatments.

The number one question we get during consultations and on social media is “how much does scalp micropigmentation cost?” Most people are wondering whether or not they can afford the SMP treatment. Our answer might surprise you. SMP is, by its nature, a comparatively affordable hair loss solution. Scalp micropigmentation is more cost effective than what you might pay for a hair transplant surgery, hair system, or hair loss medications, which can mount up considerably over time. So let’s discuss the factors that go into determining your scalp micropigmentation treatment cost. HAIR LOSS LEVEL Your hair loss level is the most important factor in understanding your smp treatment costs. Using the Norwood hair loss scale, we can determine your hair loss level and price range. Now I’m sure you are thinking, what in the world is a Norwood?!?! When determining your hair loss, it’s important to understand how far your hair has progressed. The Norwood scale is a visual representation to help us identify your hair loss stage. Where do you fall on the scale? EXPERIENCE & QUALITY OF PRACTITIONER / COMPANY You’ve heard the expression “you get what you pay for” well that is true for scalp micropigmentation as well. While cost shouldn’t vary drastically from one provider to the next, typically you can expect those practitioners that have years of experience and consistent, high-quality results to charge a bit more than newer practitioners trying to build their portfolio. When choosing a scalp micropigmentation provider, make sure you see a wide range of clients they have treated. SPECIAL TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS Other factors that can impact price are special requests or alterations you make that add additional sessions or hours of work. For example, if you decide after your initial treatments that you would like to lower or modify a hairline, you may expect to pay an additional fee for the artist to make that change. Also, many Scalp Micro USA clients come to us with hair transplant scars that need to be camouflaged, or alopecia. These scenarios add an extra layer of complexity to your procedure and could require more or less time depending on the treatment. REGION It is safe to say that costs for scalp micro pigmentation do vary depending on where you are in the world. Even down to the city. Typically, cities with higher smp costs are the ones you would expect: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. Alternatively, smaller cities may charge a bit less. At Scalp Micro USA, our costs are consistent across cities but you may find other clinics charging more or less depending on how populated the area. THE NUMBERS Now you know the factors that go into getting a scalp micropigmentation quote, but you probably want your smp price. Typically, the treatment will cost $2,000 - $4,500 depending on the factors listed above. In order to provide an accurate price quote, our team will need to see pictures of your hair loss to determine your number on the Norwood scale. WHY CHOOSE SCALP MICRO USA? As the leading SMP provider in the United States, we have unparalleled expertise and experience and have handled just about every treatment requirement you can imagine. From routine procedures to some very challenging cases, we’ve seen it all and have an exemplary track record and vast portfolio to back it up. In order to get your personalized quote please contact our team for an informal discussion around your treatment goals. Consultations can be face to face, by phone or email or through a video call. During this process we can confirm the cost of your scalp micropigmentation treatment and answer any questions about the service we offer, or the treatment process. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Preparing Your Work Station  Make sure you have all of the appropriate tools before mixing your ink. Please find the checklist below: Folicule Ink Gloves Medical cups Syringe Distilled water  Preparing Your Pigment Distilled water is mixed with pigment using a ratio of water:pigment (i.e water to pigment). For example, to prepare a color of 20, we would need a mixture of 20:1 = 20 parts of water in Milliliters (20 ml) to one part pigment in milliliters (1 ml). Additional examples of color selection and preparation: If we want to prepare an 18, we would need 18 milliliters of water (18 ml) and mix with 1 part pigment (1 ml) 18:1 If we want to prepare a 12, we would pull 12 milliliters of water (12 ml) and mix with 1 part pigment (1 ml) 12:1 If we want to prepare a 6, we would pull 6 milliliters of water (6 ml) and mix 1 part pigment (1 ml) 6:1 Measuring Water  Measuring Ink Mixing Complete   Quick Tip In order to reduce waste and conserve pigment, you may wish to half the water amount and the pigment amount for each dilution. For example: Pigment #20 can be measured as 20 ml water: 1ml pigment OR 10 ml water: .5ml pigment (we simply halved each amount to maintain the correct ratio).